Neil Walker missed three weeks with a back injury, returned in mid-September to play eight games, and was shut down again earlier this week.

That will be his last action of the season, as the Pirates announced that the second baseman has a herniated disc in his back and will be shut down for the final six games.

Walker got off to a slow start, caught fire around midseason, and will end up totaling just 29 plate appearances in Pittsburgh’s final 35 games, finishing with a .280 batting average and .768 OPS that’s a near match for his career .280 batting average and .761 OPS coming into the season.

At age 27 there doesn’t seem to be much room for Walker to grow into a star, but he’s cemented himself as an above-average regular for the Pirates and having him healthy for 2013 will be key to … well, trying to avoid a 21st straight losing season.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Angels will acquire second baseman Ian Kinsler from the Tigers. It is not known yet what the Tigers will receive in return. Kinsler had to waive his no-trade clause in order for the deal to happen.

Kinsler, 35, hit .236/.313/.412 with 22 home runs, 52 RBI, 90 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases in 613 plate appearances for the Tigers this past season. He’s in the final year of his contract and will earn $10 million for the 2018 season.

The Angels were certainly looking to upgrade at second base and did so with Kinsler. They were also reportedly interested in Cesar Hernandez of the Phillies.